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After two successful seasons, developer Embark Studios has proved it knows how to make a destructive shooter that masterfully folds all-terrain combat with meaningful abilities. Season 3 keeps The Finals’ adrenaline rush going with a trip to 1568 Kyoto, complete with new gadgets and weapons. While swords might not strike your fancy against turrets, mines, and rocket launchers, Embark has done a good job of balancing ancient and modern gear.
We got to go hands-on with Season 3 at a preview event and were impressed by how its new melee weapons coexist with old favourites. In Season 3, players get access to bullet-deflecting dual katanas, a satisfying recurve bow, and a spear with a large sweep attack. As for , the Heavy’s Winch Claw can pull enemies towards them Scorpion-style and the Light’s Thermal Bore can breach walls from a distance.
The players I got to play with had an unspoken rule of trying out these new weapons, making for some delightful medieval mayhem. I’ll admit that picking the Heavy’s Spear didn’t go in my favour. But I wasn’t completely outmatched by the occasional turret or shotgun despite my outdated gear.
Switching to the Medium class’ dual katanas made things interesting as I could now deflect bullets and move in for the kill. You’re not invincible while blocking though and stray damage can disorient you e.
